Understanding The Psychological Effects Of Acne

Acne is one of the most prevalent physical skin conditions among both teens and adults. There are many different types, and treatments have been developed to care for each. Physical appearance isn't the only thing acne effects. What happens when a person suffering from the condition is affected psychologically, and may shy away from attending social events with friends or colleagues because of how it makes them feel?

In today's society, appearance has become the center point for all social decisions. How we look has become more important in the eyes of many than who we are. This is placing great pressure on teens, and continues to affect them as they grow to be adults. Many people feel it important to conform to what is considered "the norm", or at least to their perception of it. So what happens when a person suffers from a physically altering condition such as acne?

This is a problem especially in teens because they are still developing a strong sense of who they are, and what happens to them can effect who they turn out to be.

It does not stop there. Many adults feel the same psychological effects of acne, and say it makes them feel ugly and undesirable in appearance.

Studies have shown that psychological effects of such conditions can lead to depression, eating disorders, and social anxiety. While this often starts as a teen, it can carry over as an adult, resulting in serious psychological ramifications. So what can be done to prevent this from occurring?

Many acne sufferers seek coverage that will hide their acne, usually in the form of a cream concealer or makeup. These products can be purchased over-the-counter, and do a good job covering up most mild to moderate acne. For more severe cases, a doctor can prescribe something to conceal the condition.

Die plays a small role, but there may be certain foods that influence breakouts. If you feel this may be affecting your acne, stay away from those foods that seem to be causing the problem, and see if that helps. It is believed that diet may play a larger role in adult acne than in teen acne, so it doesn't hurt to start early.

Another factor that may play a role in self-esteem, especially in teens, is the misconception that acne is caused by having unclean skin. While this isn't true, it could cause acne sufferers to become more anxious about how others view them, which can cause self-esteem to drop.

The first step toward feeling better about yourself is feeling better about your acne. To do this, you must treat the problem. This may be something you can do on your own, or it may require the help of a physician. Either way, find a treatment that works for you. If you are feeling anxious and depressed about your condition, or because of it, talk to a doctor about these feelings and what you can do to alleviate them. A healthier body leads to a healthier mind.